In this issue
It’s always fascinating to hear the stories of horses that are not only competitive in their own right but who also take their owners and riders on journeys they never imagined. Few horses embody this better than the magnificent black Friesian stallion Tjibbe B.
For generations the double bridle has reigned supreme in dressage. Its delicate balance of curb and bridoon bits was seen as the mark of an educated horse and a refined rider – the final step in the classical training ladder. But times are changing, and so too is the tack.
Michelle Terlato’s passion for photography brought equestrian moments to life, capturing events across Australia and internationally. Her remarkable images leave a legacy cherished by the equestrian community.
Sophie Artup and stallion Charlie Sheen impressed at the 2025 Australian Dressage Championships in Sydney, claiming the FEI Pony Small Tour title for owner Jenny Stock, whose faith in the talented German Riding Pony continues to pay off.
Driven by passion and purpose, the Weel family are heading to Florida for six months to train and compete in Wellington’s elite dressage circuit — a bold new adventure for rising star Abby and her talented team.
Les Friend has been in the horse business for over 60 years. The aptly named gentleman from Goulburn, NSW, was recently recognised for his long service to the equestrian industry by Sport NSW, a tribute he can add to his many national and state coaching awards.
It’s competition crunch time for para riders taking on the 2025 Para Dressage National Championships (CPEDI2*/3*) at Boneo Park in Victoria this month. The event is hosted by Carlton Performance Horses and will be the first qualifying event for the FEI World Championships in Aachen 2026.
Unless you count the excellent award-winning Brokeback Mountain, this lesser-heralded film Ride with the Devil is Ang Lee’s only western. Based on conflicting loyalties in the US Civil War, it also showcases how the role of “falling horses” have evolved in the history of Hollywood.
The diagnosis of kissing spines has been around for a very long time, but the significance paid to the condition has waxed and waned, with some blaming kissing spines on every back ailment and others believing it is over-diagnosed.